Jefferson Adams is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. His poems, essays and photographs have appeared in Antioch Review, Blue Mesa Review, CALIBAN, Hayden's Ferry Review, Huffington Post, the Mississippi Review, and Slate among others.

He is a member of both the National Writers Union, the International Federation of Journalists, and covers San Francisco Health News for Examiner.com.

By Jefferson Adams

Published on 05/21/2011

May is National Celiac Disease Awareness month. That means a month of official and unofficial events to promote awareness of celiac disease.

2) #GFchat on Twitter (featuring Ask the Dietitian experts): May 10, 17, 24, 31 - Chats will take place on Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Those interested in participating should follow and use the hashtag #GFchat to keep the conversation in one central steam.

3) LIVE with Jill's List: Should You Be Gluten-Free?May 11 - Join LIVE with Jill's List to listen to and CHAT LIVE with celiac and gluten-free experts:

* Mark Hyman, MD - NY Times Best Selling Author and family physician* Alice Bast - Founder and President of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness* Jill Brack - Founder of GLOW Gluten Free Cookies

4) Celiac 60+: Meeting the Needs of the Mature CeliacThis free online webinar will feature Veronica Alicea, M.B.A., R.D., a well-known dietetic consultant in the celiac and gluten-free fields, leading an hour-long discussion on the rising number of celiac diagnoses in the mature adult population. Wednesday, May 18th at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

6) Celiac Awareness Night at the MetsJoin the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and R.O.C.K. Long Island for Celiac Awareness Night at the Mets. The New York Mets will be taking on the Philadelphia Phillies, and catch all the action from special sections in the Left Field Landing - tickets $35 or $20 each. Gluten-free concessions will be available.

7) Rudi's Unbelievably Good Gluten-Free Recipe ContestSubmit your original gluten-free recipe using Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery products (including their new buns and pizza crust) for the chance to win a trip to Colorado and star in an Alternative Appetites video with Dan Kohler!

Some Important Contest Dates:April 18 – May 20: Recipe submissions accepted on the recipe contest tab on the Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery Facebook pageApril 18 – June 6: Online voting open to the publicJune 13: Top 3 finalists announcedJune 24: Top 3 finalists compete in Final Recipe Cook-Off at Restaurant 4580 in Boulder, Colorado.

Check your local gluten-free or celiac disease support group for details on events in your area. Or get together with friends and family and create your own fun for Celiac Awareness Month!